World No. 48 Constant Lestienne takes on world No. 87 Nikoloz Basilashvili in the round of 32 of the 2023 Montpellier Open on Tuesday.
The Georgian star began the new season by taking part in the Maharashtra Open in India. He crashed out in the first round after being outplayed by Marco Cecchinato. In the Adelaide International 2, Basilashvili faced Mikael Ymer in the first round of the qualifiers. The 30-year-old retired while trailing 1-6, 1-1.
A first win of the season eluded Basilashvili at the Australian Open. He squared off against 8th seed Taylor Fritz in the first round and lost in four sets.
The 30-year-old had a tough start to the season as she faced the mighty Novak Djokovic in the first round of the Adelaide International 1. The top-seeded Djokovic eased past Lestienne in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. Lestienne had a fine run in the ASB Classic as he progressed to the semifinals with wins against Pedro Cachin, Gregoire Barrere, and Laslo Djere. Lestienne pulled out prior to his quarter-final clash against compatriot Richard Gasquet owing to injury.
The Frenchman returned at the Australian Open and got the better of Thiago Monteiro in the first round in straight sets. However, his run ended in the following round with a loss to 11th seed Cameron Norrie.
Constant Lestienne has a 1-0 lead in the head-to-head scoreline against Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Prediction: Constant Lestienne to win in three sets.
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